La Baronnie Hôtel & Spa

Overview

Set in the heart of Saint‑Martin‑de‑Ré on the island of Île de Ré, La Baronnie Hôtel & Spa is a charming four-star boutique hotel housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion just moments from the port. Hidden behind high walls and surrounded by leafy gardens and shaded courtyards, the property feels like a peaceful “village within the village” despite its central location.

The historic residence has more than 300 years of history and was once associated with French nobility, including a period when it was acquired by Louis XVI as a gift for Marie Antoinette. Today it has been carefully transformed into an elegant retreat with 23 individually designed rooms and suites, blending period character-with modern comforts.

The Owners

La Baronnie is owned by Pierre and Florence Pallardy, a stylish and independent-minded couple who fell in love with the house long before they ever owned it. After visiting Île de Ré for many years, they finally bought the neglected property in 1996 and began the huge task of restoring it, spending more than a decade carefully bringing the historic estate back to life.

What started as the island’s first guesthouse eventually became the elegant four-star hotel it is today, complete with a Cinq Mondes spa, bar, and heated outdoor pool. Pierre and Florence remain very much involved and are always happy to point guests in the right direction, especially when it comes to the best spots for a night out in nearby Saint-Martin-de-Ré.

Why we love it

The Location:
Île de Ré has such a special feel. The hotel is right in the heart of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, with the port, market, shops and restaurants on your doorstep.

The Hotel Itself:
Set within a beautiful 18th-century mansion with over 300 years of history, La Baronnie feels like a hidden oasis in the middle of town. Behind its historic walls you’ll find leafy gardens, a peaceful courtyard, a heated pool and the lovely Bar 1721- perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the island.

The Island Lifestyle:
Île de Ré is made for slow living- morning market runs, long bike rides between villages, lazy beach afternoons and evenings wandering around the harbour.

The Food:
From fresh market produce and incredible bakeries to oysters by the sea and long dinners in bustling harbour restaurants, eating well is a big part of life here.

The Setting

From the hotel, it’s a few minutes walk to the port, where you’ll find cafés, restaurants, independent shops and the daily market. Despite being so central, the hotel itself is wonderfully calm, tucked away behind high walls and surrounded by leafy gardens.

Île de Ré is made for slow exploring. The island is famous for its flat cycling paths, salt marshes, oyster shacks and long sandy beaches, all easily reached by bike from Saint-Martin. Nearby villages like La Flotte and Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré are perfect for morning rides, beach days or long seafood lunches by the water.

In winter, the island feels wonderfully tranquil, with quiet streets and cosy restaurants. In summer, it becomes vibrant and full of life, with bustling markets, sunny terraces and boats lining the harbour.

The details that matter

- Great night sleep
- Amazing location, with the port, shops and restaurants on doorstep
- Spa & Wellness Area
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- All-you-can-eat gourmet breakfast
- Lounge area & Le Bar 1721
- Private parking
- Concierge

Food & Drink

For breakfast, a traditional French spread of croissants, fresh bread, cheeses, ham, and local treats, served in the breakfast room or, on warmer days, in the garden or on the terrace. Each Sunday, the hotel also offers a brunch, open to non-residents, with a selection of homemade cakes, pastries, seafood, eggs, cold cuts, salads, fruit, and plenty of drinks- including teas from Dammann Frères, coffee roasted on Île de Ré, fresh juices, and a sparkling glass of champagne on arrival.

The hotel's bar, Bar 1721, is a sophisticated and welcoming lounge bar, connecting the inner courtyard, terrace, and garden. Surrounded by fragrant orange trees, it’s perfect for a morning Italian coffee, an afternoon cocktail, or a glass of champagne in the paved courtyard. The intimate, stylish setting draws locals and travellers alike, making it a relaxing spot to unwind.

For dining out, the port is just a few minutes’ walk away and has an incredible selection of restaurants, cafés, and bars. From relaxed beachside lunches to lively evening spots, we’ve shared our favourites in the Our Notes section. Île de Ré is a true foodie’s paradise, so exploring the local cuisine and wine is a highlight of any stay.

Our Notes (tips)

Saint-Martin Market & Bakeries:
Wander through Saint-Martin’s lively food market, packed with fresh fruit, bread, cheeses, meats and fish. Afterwards, stop by Do Ré Mie for excellent bread and pastries- we’re convinced they do the best almond croissant in the world.

Explore the Boutiques:
Spend some time exploring the independent shops around Saint-Martin. Our favourite clothing boutiques are Flamingo and Bonne Espérance, though there are plenty of lovely spots to discover as you wander the streets.

Views Over the Port:
Climb the tower at Clocher Observatoire de Saint-Martin-de-Ré for the best views over the harbour and the island’s rooftops.

Port-Side Apéros:
One of our favourite ways to relax in Saint-Martin is grabbing a table at Lever du Soleil on the port. Order a glass (or two) of wine, soak up the sunshine- the bar truly lives up to its name—and watch the world go by. We’ve happily sat there people-watching for hours.

Enjoy the Hotel:
Make time to relax at the hotel too. The peaceful courtyard, outdoor pool, spa and stylish Bar 1721 make it the perfect place to unwind between island adventures.

Explore by Bike:
Hiring bikes is by far the best way to explore Île de Ré- the cycle paths are flat, scenic and incredibly easy to follow. We recommend Beach Bikes at the port for good prices.

Cycle to Nearby Villages:
A lovely morning ride is to La Flotte, where you can have breakfast at La Martinière before wandering through the village market, one of the best on the island.

Another great ride is to Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré for its beautiful beach, followed by laid-back cocktails and excellent pizza at the beach bar. You can also stop for cheese and wine tasting at Fromagerie Gaiddon, and Les Q Salés is another great food spot nearby. For swimming, we also love Plage de Gros Jonc and Plage de Trousse-Chemise, while Plage de Saint-Martin-de-Ré has a relaxed town-beach feel.

Something More Active:
If you’re feeling energetic, you can take sailing or windsurfing lessons at Plage de Gros Jonc or book a court at Ré Tennis Club.

Day Trip to La Rochelle:
If you have a car, it’s well worth taking a day trip to La Rochelle, a beautiful harbour city just across the bridge from the island.

Oysters by the Sea:
Île de Ré is famous for its oysters. Our favourite spot is Cabane Océane- order oysters and a glass of wine while looking out across the bay. They also serve warm oysters in a delicious garlic sauce. Cabane de Feneau is another great option, especially for larger groups.

Dinner Suggestions:
Dinner is always a highlight here. Our favourite restaurant in town is Le Marin. Our ideal order: lots of fresh bread, crevettes, côte de bœuf with their incredible Roquefort sauce, followed by lemon meringue pie. Around 10pm the music comes up and the restaurant turns into a lively bar packed with locals- at that point, you have to order one of their mighty mojitos.

Other great dinner spots include Ben Hur, Le Tout du Cru, Boudin Zinc, L’Insolite, and La Cible for a relaxed beachside dinner.

If you’re happy to venture a little further, Le Balaou and La Bouche Rit (order the pork chop) both serve seriously great food and are well worth the journey.